Jo kindly commented on my last post and provided a report on a serious incident in the South West of the UK.

These incidents seem to be escalating in their numbers and in their violence.

From BBC 24 Monday, 17 September 2007, 17:06 GMT 18:06 UK

999 crew was attacked at incident

Members of an ambulance crew who attended a fatal stabbing in Bristol were abused and attacked by an angry crowd of about 100 people.

Sarah Hodierne and Wayne Evans were the first emergency services on the scene at the Criterion pub on Sunday morning.

When the ambulance arrived Ms Hodierne said she was pulled out by her hair as people shouted and swore.

Ms Hodierne then tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate Mohamoud Muse Hassan, who had been stabbed in the neck.

Vehicle attacked

Ms Hodierne said: “I was just doing my job but I was really frightened.

“The crowd opened the ambulance door and pulled me out by my hair – shouting, swearing and threatening me – there were just so many of them. It was very, very stressful.”

Mr Evans added: “Mr Hassan was in cardiac arrest and even as we got him in the ambulance they were kicking the vehicle and tried to put in the window.”

Chris Hewett, of Great Western Ambulance Service, said: “It was a very difficult and volatile situation. The crowd were jostling them and even pulling Sarah’s hair. Despite this they kept calm and did what they could for the patient.”

Sergeant Lee George, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “The ambulance crew were surrounded as they tried to administer first aid and many of the bystanders were intimidating them and trying to obstruct them.

“They were very brave to carry on in such extreme circumstances. It was the worst job I have been to in 14 years of police service.”

A 22-year-old man and 16-year-old girl have been arrested following the fatal stabbing.

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And I bet that the Ambulance Crew were not issued with stab proof vests either. With all the safe guards in place that we try to adhere to in making our selves safe, sometimes we will find ourselves in a frightening situation. Even with Police on scene it can still be quite daunting and obviously dangerous.

My sympathies go out to the family and friends of the deceased man. But I also hope that the crew were given support for their actions and received recognition for their bravery.